♥ Keeen-Waaah! AKA Quinoa

Perfect for the gluten intolerant, vegetarian or just plain health conscious. Quinoa is a must try!

10 fast facts you need to know about Quinoa:

♥ The seed/grain-like protein, pronounced keen-wah, was originally grown in the Andes mountain range in South America and was a staple food of the Incas
♥ It is a pseudocereal & is closely related to beets & spinach
♥ Known as quinoa in English, the spelling and pronunciation differs depending on the region in South America.  In some parts it is known as ‘kinwa’ or ‘keen-wah’ or ‘kwi-NOH-a’
♥ Quinoa is a complete protein source for vegetarians which means no food combining! It is also high in iron and dietary fibre, it is used in place of grains in the same way as rice and couscous & can be used for both savoury & sweet dishes
♥ It has a delicate, nutty flavour all of its own
♥ Texture wise think somewhere between barley & cous cous
♥ It has a low Glycemic Index (35)
♥ It is completely Gluten free
♥ It comes in white, red and black varieties
♥ It can be bought puffed, flaked or whole.

As a breakfast porridge ♥

Quinoa can be substituted for just about any grain in any recipe and is a healthy alternative to rice and cous cous. I use it instead of rice with stir fries, instead of oats in porridge and instead of burghul in tabouli. You could also use it instead of barley in soups. What a versatile little seed indeed!

What does it look like?

Raw

Cooked

Where can I find it?

In the health food aisles Woolworths and Coles or any health food store.

How much does it cost?

Between $6 -$10 for a 500g packet.

How do I prepare it?

Quinoa is ridiculously easy to prepare. Just make sure you rinse*!, boil 1 part quinoa, 2 parts water and simmer for 10-12 mins or until or all the liquid is absorbed. Alternatively Fluff with a fork & voila!
*Before cooking Quinoa must be rinsed to remove the toxic (but naturally occurring) bitter coating, called Saponins.

A personal favourite recipe of mine adapted from Michelle Bridges’ version.

Quinoa Porridge with Cranberries and Raisins (I swap the raisins for dates!)

3/4 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
500ml water
375ml low fat milk/soy milk/extra water
1/3 cup dried cranberries and 2 tablespoons raisins or chopped dates
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Combine the quinoa and water in saucepan and bring to the boil.  Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, covered for 10 minutes.  Stir in 1 cup of the milk and the dried fruit and nuts.  Cook, covered, for another for another 10 minutes and then stir in the remaining milk.
Add grated apple, fresh or frozen berries & top with cinnamon &/or honey to taste for additional yum factor!

Link love for oodles of inspiring recipe ideas for you to try!

♥ http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/collections/quinoa+recipes
♥ http://www.cookingquinoa.net
♥ http://www.101cookbooks.com/ingredient/quinoa

Bon appetit!

Are you a quinoa lover? Been pronouncing it wrong? Looking to get some into your life… lets talk about this below!

Article by Jasmin Chipper, quinoa advocate!

Be well,

xoxo